The Ward 8 Democrats released the following statements on the passing Theresa Jones, founding member of the Ward 8 Democrats, elected official and beloved member of the Ward 8 community:

"The Ward 8 Democrats extends its condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Theresa Howe Jones, a founder of the Ward 8 Democrats, DC statehood activist, and longtime Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner from the Bellevue community.

“A former delegate to the Democratic National Convention, Mrs. Jones was instrumental in drafting the Ward 8 Democrats bylaws and securing our charter from the DC Democratic State Committee. Her passion for DC Statehood, having served as a delegate to DC Statehood Constitutional meeting in 1982, led to DC voting rights being included in the Ward 8 Democrats platform since the beginning, and it is a legacy that we are proud of today. And just two years ago, we were proud to honor and recognize her outstanding legacy by bestowing her with a lifetime achievement award.

“Theresa Howe Jones advanced the mission of service, history and culture in Ward 8, and will be truly missed.”

--Ward 8 Democrats Executive Committee

“Theresa Jones accomplished so much and mentored many people, including me. Even if you did not ask for advice, she was going to give it to you anyways. She was such a presence in Ward 8 and her passing creates a void that will be missed.”

--Charles WilsonPresident, Ward 8 Democrats

“TJ was the best. She will be missed but her presence and legacy in our community will always be felt and appreciated. My sympathies to her family.”

--Arrington DixonNational Committeeman

“I am truly heartbroken. We literally talked almost every week for 25 years. Theresa supported me when I first ran for president of the Ward 8 Democrats in 1991. There were other candidates in that race she knew well but she supported me. I loved my friend. She was a true warrior for justice in the spirit of Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth and Fannie Lou Hammer. This a great loss for Ward 8.”

“Theresa Jones was a fierce fighter for all people, especially her Bellevue neighbors. This faithful servant will surely be missed. Heaven has gained another angelic agitator to help my late father, James Bunn, as well as, William Lockridge and Marion Barry shake things up.”

--Sheila BunnEx-Officio,State Committee Member

About the Ward 8 Democrats:The Ward Eight Democrats aim to engage Democratic voters in our community to advance basic principals of equality, accountability and transparency on behalf of every resident in Ward 8. For more information, visit www.ward8dems.com